MAC Foundation

Hi,

I hope you are well.

I finally got the chance to try my new MAC products & I just wanted to tell you that I don't know how I ever lived without them. (See my original post here.) First thing is first, I have oily skin. I'm not talking about a shiny face, I'm saying like 10 minutes after I apply foundation & powder, my face is GREASY. And halfway through work? Forget it! It looks like I ran through a sprinkler!

I have tried ALMOST every foundation & concealer without any success. They usually just melt off & when I do video shoots at work it is way worse from the lights. As mentioned before, I didn't initially purchase MAC foundations because there are no MAC stores close & I was afraid of purchasing the wrong shade. 

I am so glad I took the chance because the results are worth it. I started by applying 2 pumps of Pro Longwear Foundation in NC20. I used a damp makeup sponge because I'm weird about applying makeup with my hands. I just feel like even if I wash them 30 times there are still germs that will make my face gross & breakout.  One thing to mention is the foundation dries quickly so I usually do one side of my face & then the other. I do a stippling motion so it looks more blended & no streaking. I blend into my hairline but I do not apply foundation to my neck, only powder. 

 Next, I used Studio Fix Concealer in NC20 and a concealer brush from Bare Minerals and applied it under my eyes (I have serious dark circles) and on any blemishes that I have. This is a heavier concealer which scared me because I was afraid it would be cakey & would settle into the lines under my eyes. Luckily it doesn't & it blends really easily. Last, I use a powder brush to apply MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC25. A little goes a long way, however this doesn't leave your skin looking cakey either. I use this on my neck to help even everything out & I set the concealer under my eyes with a little more than the rest of my face. I also have been applying my blush & setting it with this powder too. I use more blush than usual because this will help even it out & tone it down.

I went to re-powder my face & I didn't even need to! 8 hours later my face was still matte. It was amazing & I could have cried tears of joy! A coworker even asked me if I had airbrushed my skin that morning because it looked flawless. I was scared that heavier foundation, concealer & powder = breakouts but my skin is just fine. To be quite honest, I don't think I will even try other foundations because I am so happy with the result that I've been getting. 

Also, in the pictures I used NYX Frosted Lilac on my entire Lid, NYX Red Bean Pie in the crease & MAC Shroom as my highlight. NYX Pinched is the blush & lip color is NYX Whipped, everything else is same as always!

Have you tried MAC Foundations? Are there certain brands you prefer?

*Krystle

Fyrinnae Crimson Ghost & Te Amo

Alright, I bought a ton of Fyrinnae samples & I haven't gotten around to swatching them. I am crazy about these shadows. They are absolutely stunning whether foiled or applied dry. It's awesome because I purchased 19 & they gave me a free sample of the one I wanted so bad. It's like 40 shades because each color takes on a completely different color when foiled. Anyways, I'll do a review in the near future. On to the goods:

I'll start with Crimson Ghost:

Fyrinnae says: Satiny ivory-pink in the jar, but once applied, it has a soft glow of light red shimmer in varying hues.

Wow, I was not expecting this color to be this gorgeous. I've only used it dry but it reminds me of MAC Shroom with a rose tint. It has a lot of shimmer but it didn't have any fallout.

(With Flash:)

Damn Paladins:

Fyrinnae says: Formerly "Damn Paladins". Soft, satiny taupe with a light blue highlight. Name changed 9/2012. Upon release in our second Fantasy/RPG collection a few years ago, the name fit (when people still remembered games from 1999).

(with Flash):

First off, they changed the name on their website. But I can't stop using this color! It looks different every time you apply it. It is a shimmery beige when dry but when applied wet it has a blue shimmer to it. This is hands down one of my favorite colors I ordered.

(I foiled all the swatches with homemade mixing medium. I will be posting a DIY tutorial (maybe a video!) on the mixing medium I make later next week. )

 

And here is a look I did using Crimson Ghost as my lid color & Damn Paladins was used as my crease color. I am also wearing Lollipop Pop Lip Lustre (you can see my review here) with NYX Whipped over top. I just used my basic foundation routine that you can find in most of my earlier post (or you can leave me a comment!).

Hope you enjoyed these & will try to get swatches up each week! :)

*Krystle

MAC Haul

I have purchased a few things from MAC before & I am always happy. However, the closest MAC store is almost 2 hours away & I absolutely hate buying things online without seeing them in person. I made an exception this time, I really wanted MAC makeup for my wedding & took a chance & ordered online. I researched for a 2 full weeks before purchasing & I watched YouTube videos, viewed blogs & googled like crazy! So here's my purchase..

I love the packaging, all black & sleek.

I purchased MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC20, a small bottle of MAC Fix+, MAC Studio Fix Plus Foundation in NC25,Studio Finish Concealer in NC20 & Russian Red Lipstick.

 I never used MAC foundations before but I think I might be in love. The longwear foundation is awesome & you can build your coverage. I have pink undertones so I chose NC which has more of a yellow base so I can even out & reduce pink/red tones. It will last a while, 2 pumps covered my entire face (medium coverage). This was $30.

 I'm sorry, I used a bit of this before I took a picture (I couldn't wait!). This is the Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer. I also got this in NC20, which is just light enough for my under eye circles. I really debated between this & the Pro Longwear Concealer but ultimately this gives better coverage. I'm always worried about under eye circles & puffiness. This was $18.

 Since my wedding colors are black, white & red, I thought MAC Russian Red would be absolutely perfect. I haven't tried this yet but I love the color & it is one of their best sellers. I know I won't be disappointed! This was $15.

 I purchased the smaller size of MAC Fix +, I always hear about it & I'm excited to try it, it was $10. Lastly, I purchased Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I never go anywhere without powder & this can be carried in my purse to keep my face matte. It does come with a puff underneath but I'll use a brush to apply it. This is NC25 which is a little darker but since I'll be tanning again soon, this will match. This was $27.

I am so happy with everything I received & I applied for a MAC Pro Card because I know I want to buy so much more. To be honest, you get what you pay for. MAC is expensive, however, if you do your research you end up with amazing finds. I have a cart full of things & I can't wait to order more. 

Have you tired MAC? What are your favorite purchases?

*Krystle

Cherry Culture Goodies

Hi!

I hope you had a good weekend!

I placed an order through Cherry Culture (who I have ordered from many times before), I ordered 7 of NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige because 1. it's my absolute favorite gloss & 2. I thought it would be a great gift for my bridesmaids. I use it regularly & I thought it would be great for everyone on my wedding day. Now, when you order more than $40 you get free shipping so of course, I had to take advantage!

I ordered this little blush palette for $1. It was on sale, and I couldn't pass it up. I haven't tried it yet, however, can you see the brush? It's terrible, I really don't get why it's even included. I never use the applicators included with makeup palettes, I love my brushes!

 I have been thinking about what I'll be taking on my honeymoon as far as makeup. I really don't want to take any of my good makeup because I am afraid it will get lost in transit & I'll be furious! Plus, we'll be swimming & at the beach all week, so I won't be wearing tons of makeup. I ordered this NYX palette for Green Eyes. I thought it would be easy to carry & it has a bunch of colors. I'm not sure how much I paid, I think $8?

I really like the colors in this palette. It has a few neutrals & a few brighter colors. 

 I love NYX products & I'm sure I won't be disappointed with this palette, plus it was super cheap.

 I also got another little palette I thought would be great for the honeymoon. This is NYX's Nude on Nude look kit. Again, I don't remember the cost but I know it wasn't very expensive.

 This is so small, I might start carrying it in my purse, it comes with 9 eye shadows & 2 lip glosses. I think it's adorable & very convenient.

 You really can't beat neutrals, they look great on everyone & you can do a basic look or a smokey look.

I'll be swatching & reviewing each of these palettes in the future!

Also, I made a few (A LOT) of changes to my blog. What do you think?

All the best,

Krystle

My Current Face Routine

So I have been sticking to a routine at night & in the morning. I'm trying to get my skin clear & nice for the wedding.

I'm really bad at washing off my makeup everyday, I get lazy & sleep in it. Luckily, my skin doesn't break out. I only see flare ups when  I PMS & when I stress out really bad. For about a month I have been using this & it seems to work. I have combination ski, I am oily in my T Zone by dry on my cheeks & forehead.

So here's what I do in the morning:

I didn't show a picture of  the makeup wipes that I use, they are just Equate Brand & they are knockoff of the Olay brand. I start by using makeup remover to take off any residue that might be left on my eyes & then I use a makeup wipe all over my face.

 My night routine takes longer but it's worth it! I start by using makeup remover to take off any waterproof eye makeup. I use Equate Makeup Remover, which is knockoff Neutrogena. It has the exact same ingredients for $3 less!Next, I use Biore Balancing Cleanser. I wash once to remove any oily residue from the makeup remover & to take off foundation. I apply knockoff Olay Daily Regenerating Cleanser & use my Olay Pro-X Cleansing System. This this is amazing at removing gunk & flaky skin. I usually do this step twice to help get rid of any makeup in my pores. I finish with Pro Activ Cleanser. This is very gritty & really exfoliates. I never use Pro Activ's toner or lotion. They give me terrible cystic pimples but I adore the cleanser. I rinse and allow my skin to dry completely. Every other day, I use L'Oreal Sublime Bronze in Medium Deep to keep my skin bronze. I allow that to dry for about 10 minutes & then I apply St. Ives Timeless Skin moisturizer. On the nights I don';t use tanner I just apply the moisturizer after washing my face.

What have been using on your face? I am always open to recommendations!!

*Krystle

Fyrinnae Lip Lustre Swatches

I am so excited for the next few posts, I am swatching the Fyrinnae products that I received in the mail. I've decided to start with the 4 lip lustres that I purchased. I have swatched each on  my hand & on my lips, with flash & without flash.

This was the first time I ordered through Fyrinnae & I am really happy with my purchases. I got 2 full sized lip lustres & 2 sample sized. Fyrinnae says:

Fyrinnae's Lip Lustres are not like lipgloss. This product is a non-sticky lipcolour, leaving moisturising colour on your lips but no goopy tackiness. Most shades are made to be relatively opaque, though some can be applied lightly over lipstick as a highlight or over balm as a sheer tint. They are a rather "dry" product because we pack as much colour into them as possible, but the ingredients are not drying. This means, due to the high concentration of natural butters, they are thinner in a warm environment, thicker when it's cool. Use care when opening if they have been cold (i.e; in a mailbox in winter). They are filled hot, then the product cools, hardening, the moment the tubes are filled, so they may have the appearance of cracks or tiny lines of air. Lustres have a light vanilla scent.

8ml, with a flocked doe-foot wand applicator. (10ml size tube, same as our Pixie Epoxy, 8ml product capacity. Capacity is slightly lower due to the viscous nature of the Lustres). 

Trial size is a tiny version of the large tube with the same style applicator, and holds 1.5 ml, enough for about 3-5 applications. The Trial size applicator doesn't give as good coverage as the larger size, so opacity on some shades may appear weaker with 1-2 coats.

Let me start by saying, these smell divine! It smells like vanilla frosting. And the color pay off is amazing. They are not like gloss at all. It's almost like a creamy, matte lipstick without the dryness. Below is Lollipop Pop, Visual Kei, Less Than Three & Diabolic Masquerade. I got full size Visual Kei & Lollipop Pop, and samples of Less Than Three & Diabolic Masquerade. 

The picture above is with a flash. This is very true to each color. The color below is without a flash.

Diabolic Masquerade- Fyrinnae Says: Dark, vampy, and perfect if you're tempted by black lipcolours, but don't want the harshness or grey tones. Diabolic Masquerade is black, but filled with subtle glowing red shimmer to offset the darkness. This can be applied over balm or gloss for a softer look.

 My Thoughts: Okay, this color is awful on me, which I figured. However, for a gothic or vampy look Halloween look, perfect! I see black but no red shimmer, it looks like poo brown on my lippies! I'm going to try it over red lipstick & see what that looks like. Trail size was $2. (Above: with flash; below without flash)

Less Than Three - Fyrinnae Says: Less Than Three is a bright lilac-pink matte, similar to Fanservice in depth and finish. 

My Thoughts: I'm sad I only got the sample of this color because it's my favorite of the bunch & I will be purchasing the full size. It's such a gorgeous lilac pink. It is matte with no shimmer & opaque. This is just 1 coat!

Visual Kei - Fyrinnae says: Visual Kei is a rather bright pink, nearly matte, with a very slight shimmer.

 My Thoughts: I love this color too! It's almost red but such a gorgeous pink. It does has shimmer but not too much. I will be wearing this often!

 Lollipop-Pop - Fyrinnae says: Lollipop-Pop is a fun vibrant light pink with a blue highlight. 

 My Thoughts: I thought this would be my favorite but think it's too close to my natural lip color. It's not as "Barbie" pink as I would like (think NYX Mega Shine Gloss in Dolly Pink or Beige!) but I'll keep it in my purse as a back up. Full size are $6.

 If you think the lip lustres rock, wait until you see the shadows! Oh my gawd, you have no idea how amazing they are! 

Have you tried Fyrinnae? What are your favorites!?

*Krystle

Pistol Pistol & Incognito

I thought since I reviewed Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream by Garnier (click to see review) I would post a look with it. 

I also got my hair done & you can see how much lighter the color is!

Here's what I used:

FACE:

Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream (Garnier) in Light/Medium

NYX Full Coverage Concealer in Porcelain

Bare Minerals in Medium

NYX Blush in Pinched

EYES:

Maybelline Turbo Lash Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Liquid Liner in Blackest Black

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Glamour Doll Eyes in Pistol Pistol (entire lid)

Glamour Doll Eyes in Incognito (corner & crease)

NYX Liner in Black (upper waterline)

NYX Liner in Pearl White (lower waterline)

MAC Shroom (highlight & inner corner)

EYEBROWS:

elf Eyebrow Kit in Medium

Milani Brow tech in Light

LIPS:

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss in Nude Pink

I had a really tough time getting a decent picture today. It was storming outside & pouring rain. Plus, the lights really wash my skin out (I swear I'm not that pale!). Pistol Pistol & Incognito are so close to each other, Incognito is a tad darker with different colored sparkles. Pistol Pistol is lighter with mainly red sparkles. I had fallout like crazy with both shadows, I'm hoping that Pixie Epoxy can help with this. I received my Fyrinnae products last night & I can't wait to swatch them & show you. I also can't wait to play with the Lip Lustres & Pixie Epoxy!

Not makeup related, but I finally got my wedding band! Plus, Dustin spoiled me with some gorgeous diamond earrings. My engagement ring clips into the middle of the two bands (my engagement ring is a princess cut solitaire) & the earring were on sale & I will probably wear them on my wedding day.

 Have a wonderful day!

*Krystle

Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream Review

Today, I'll be reviewing Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream by Garnier.

I purchased this at the end of May & I use it fairly often. I wanted to use it for a little while & give an honest review about this product. I have been intrigued with BB creams for awhile, in case you do not know what they are, they are also known as "beauty balms" or blemish balms". Garnier claims that this will instantly renew, brighten, even out your skin tone & hydrate. It comes in one size, it is a 2.5 oz & it comes in 2 different colors: light/medium & medium/dark.

I picked up light/medium, in the fall & winter my skin is paler & I haven't been tanning at all. This product is a little pricier, I purchased it at Walmart, it was $11.97 & I had a $1 off coupon.

I have been using this at least twice each week, First thing, a little bit goes a long way. If you use too much it becomes very difficult to blend. However, when you use a smaller amount, it blends very flawlessly. It is light coverage. I find myself using this, a foundation & powder because the consistency is WAY too light for me. It smells nice, very floral. When it sinks into your skin, you don't smell it.

 I received a sample from a magazine & decided to purchase it after that. It does come in this squeeze bottle which I find annoying because too much always comes out. Another thing I dislike is that this does not match my skin. It is way too dark & orange. I have to use a lighter foundation to make it match to my skin tone. I really wish they would have done Light, Medium & Dark separately so it would match better. It is quite expensive, but again, a little goes a long way.

(This is WAY too much product!)

 You can see how yellow/orange it is compared to my skin. I have to use a lighter powder on my face & a darker powder on my neck so you don't see an obvious makeup line. I apply it with a makeup sponge, I never touch my face! I do use a lighter foundation, concealer & Bare Minerals with this.

 It does blend out nicely. I wiped a lot of product off so I could blend it well. You can see it still leaves an off color tint. This does not cause my skin to break out, however, it makes it look oily (which I have seen in many reviews), someone told me my skin looked very dewy the other day. I thought it looked greasy, so I touched it up with some powder. 

(I purchased this product myself & I am not affiliated with this company in any way)

My Final Thoughts:

Pros:

- A little bit goes a long way

- smells nice

- light coverage

- blends very well

- cheaper than most of the other BB Creams 

Cons:

- makes my skin greasy

- does not match my skin tone

- a little expensive

Would I repurchase this product?

Maybe, I'll definitely use it but it's not one of my favorites.

Have you tried this product? If so, what did you think?

*Krystle